Kenneth "Ken" Brooks Holland
KENNETH “KEN” BROOKS HOLLAND
Kenneth “Ken” Brooks Holland, 95, of Richmond, died Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Ken was born on September 7, 1925, in Victory, KY, the son of David and Hattie (Carter) Holland. He was united in marriage to Edith M. Bolton of Dykes, KY, on December 18, 1948; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: two sons, Kenneth Brooks (Vicki) Holland, Jr. of Richmond and John Holland of Kansas City; three grandchildren: Sara Wallace, Matthew (Kristin) Holland, and Micheal (Inge) Holland; and six great-grandchildren: Christian Wallace, Aidan Wallace, Eli Holland, Elizabeth Holland, Amelia Holland, and Florence Holland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, David C. Holland, four brothers, Leslie Holland, Donald Holland, Robert Holland, and David Holland, and two sisters, Ruth Garner and Betty McIntosh.
Ken graduated from Hazel Green High School in East Bernstadt, KY. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy, during World War II. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Kadashan Bay, which was hit by a kamikaze in the Leyte Gulf. After the war, he attended junior college in Kentucky, where he met the love of his life. Ken went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He worked in the Soil and Water Conservation Department for the USDA for 30 years, until he retired in 1985.
After retirement, he enjoyed doing farm appraisals. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Richmond. He was a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, choir member, and usher. He was a proud member of the Richmond Rotary Club since 1960. Ken was instrumental in starting Boy Scout Troop # 324 in Richmond, which he participated in for years. Ken loved to golf and was a member of the Shirkey Golf Club in Richmond and has a plaque on the wall for 5 hole-in-ones. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ken and his wife enjoyed traveling, had been to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and New Zealand. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren including participating in school and sports activities and taking them on special trips.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond First Baptist Church or the Richmond Rotary Club. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M., with services to follow at 10:30 A.M. Inurnment will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and Ray County Veterans. Please remember to share your memories of Ken by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
